Choquequirao Trek 5 Days - Trek to Choquequirao Machu Picchu
Explore the two lost cities of Incas, Choquequirao and Machu Picchu on this Choquequirao Trek 5 Days, popularly known as 5 Day Trek Choquequirao Machu Picchu. Choquequirao nestles high up in the Quriwayrachina mountain range.
The name Choquequirao in Quechua means cradle of Gold. It is often referred to as the sister city of Machu Picchu. Both these Inca cities were built in the same era by Pachacutec. It has more or less a similar architecture.
However, Choquequirao due to its remote location attracts only a handful of people a day. Whereas, Machu Picchu being one of the popular destinations in South America, gets around 5000 visitors a day.
This is primarily because of Choquequirao’s remote location. It takes 2 days of hiking just to reach there from the nearest village. Infact, the Spanish conquistadors could not invade Choquequirao due to its location.
Local authorities are planning on installing a cable car which estimates a rapid boom in tourism to the archaeological site.
Please note that the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days is a high altitude experience. The highest point of the trek is at 4660 metres (15290 feet). We highly recommend you to spend 3-4 days in Cusco to acclimate and avoid altitude sickness.
Why Samex Tours Peru?
SAMEX Tours Peru is a fully locally owned licensed tour operator based in Cusco. We have an excellent team of professionals who are passionate about what they do. They have an excellent knowledge about the archaeology sites, history and culture.
We offer the 5 Day Trek Choquequirao Machu Picchu experience both in small groups and as a private tour. This two days tour is fully customizable with daily departures!
Do take a moment to check out our reviews on TripAdvisor
Choquequirao Trek 5 Days – Trek Choquequirao Machu Picchu Highlights
- Tour Location: Choquequirao, Machu Picchu
- Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture
- Good For: Those who enjoy hiking and are in moderate shape
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Considerations: This trek included visit Machu Picchu
- Choquequirao ruins are larger than Machu Picchu, but are currently a hidden gem, and not easily accessible to visitors. Soon, a tram will be built and this will become as popular as Machu Picchu.
Trekking Facts:
- Starting Altitude – 2900m / 9515ft.
- Highest Altitude – 3050m / 10,005ft
- Walking Distance – 64 km / 40 miles
- Longest Day – Day 1, approximately 25 km/15.5 miles
- Overall Difficulty – Difficult
Overview:
- First Day: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa
- Second Day: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao (Cradle of Gold)
- Third Day: Marampata – La Playa Rosalina – Chiquisca
- Fourth Day: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cachora – Ollantaytambo – Tourist train – Aguas Calientes
- Fifth Day: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Choquequirao Trek 5 Days – Trek Choquequirao Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. In our private transportation, we will be driving you to the northwest of Cusco City to a small village named Cachora. It nestles at 2909 metres above sea level (9543 feet).
At Cachora, we will have a brief stop so you can stretch and relax a bit. We will then continue the journey to Capuliyoc. It is another Andean village at 2915m/9563 feet. The drive from Cachora to Capuliyoc offers panoramic views of the Apurimac Valley.
At Capuliyoc, we will be meeting our muleteers and cook. After organising all your camping gears on mules, we will begin hiking down the hill to Chiquisqa. It nestles at 1836 metres (6023 feet).
During the trek, the guide will be explaining to you about the life of locals here and about the flora and fauna distinct to the region. After lunch, we will hike through the Apurimac River and Rio Blanco further to Santa Rosa (2200m/7215ft). We will be camping here for the night.
- Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours
- Meals: L, D
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao (Cradle of Gold)
After breakfast, we will start to hike quite early in the morning to avoid the sun. We will be starting through an uphill hike from Santa Rosa to Marampata (3110 metres / 10120 feet). This will roughly take three hours.
We will be taking a break at Marampata from where you will get the first glimpse of the Inca Site, Choquequirao at a distance. After lunch, we will hike for two hours to the Inca ruins.
Our local expert will be giving you a detailed tour of the complex. Only 40% of the complex has been excavated and is open to tourism.
What can be seen today is most impressive and very much worth the challenging trek to get here. The stonework in Choquequirao is not as sophisticated as that found in Machu Picchu. This is because the stone found here is very difficult to carve.
However, the buildings are impressive and suggest a site of high status. Choquequirao evokes a sense of awe simply because of the sites’ surrounding beauty and isolation and condors can be seen frequently soaring the skies.
Return to our campsite for dinner and to relax under the many stars above us.
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Marampata – La Playa Rosalina – Chiquisca
After breakfast, we will begin the hike. We will be descending to La Playa Rosalina. It is at 1550 metres/5085 feet. We will be hiking for four hours through the banks of the Apurimac River.
For lunch, we will be stopping by the river. We will then hike to our campsite in Chiquisqa (1836 metres / 6023 feet) for three hours.
- Hiking: 6 hours
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cachora – Ollantaytambo – Tourist train – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
After Breakfast, we will ascend about 2 hours to Capuliyoc (2915m/9561ft). Here our transport will be waiting to take us to Cachora.
We will then drive you to Ollantaytambo in Sacred Valley, for about 4 hours. Once at Ollantaytambo, we will have some time to check out the beauty of this village that is a testament to Incas advanced town planning.
We will then embark on a three hours train journey to Aguas Calientes. The journey offers enchanting views of the Andean farm. Once at Aguas Calientes, our representative will be meeting you and will transfer you to the hotel.
- Hiking: 5 hours
- Driving distance: 4 hours
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Meals: B, L
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early in the morning, the crew will be handing you over a snack box. You will then be boarding a bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel. It is a 25 minutes drive.
Our tour guide will be assisting you in clearing the security control. As we enter the citadel, you will witness the clouds clearing by as the Crepuscular rays beaming on the Incan walls.
We will then give you a guided tour for two hour. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own.
If you have booked a hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will direct you to the respective trailhead. You can also hike to the Sungate. It offers a spectacular view of the citadel. This is the point of entrance for those on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.
After you have visited Machu Picchu, you will be taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have some free time for lunch (not included in the tour package).
Late that evening, you will be boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will be meeting you on arrival and will be transferring you back to your hotel in Cusco. We will be arriving in Cusco by 0900 PM.
- Meals: Breakfast included
What is Included:
- Trek briefing before departure.
- Local guide
- Camp cook and assistant(s).
- Wrangler with mules or horses.
- All transport.
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back
- Entrance to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- All meals indicated on the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Samextoursperu walkie-talkies on trek for emergencies.
- Camping equipment: double 4 season tents, sleeping pad (Thermarest), kitchen and dining tents, tables, stools and all kitchen gear.
- Portable biodegradable chemical toilet with tent.
- First-class trekking services including: hot water and biodegradable soap.
- Maximum weight per passenger: 7kg/15lbs. We lend a duffle bag for personal belongings and must be returned at the end of the trek.
- First-Aid kit oxygen bottle.
- All trash produced during the trek is disposed off according to regulations.
Services NOT Included For Trek:
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Peak.
- Personal items like individual gear, sleeping bag
- Single tent available: $25. per person for entire trip.
- Walking Pole set: $20.
- Sleeping bag with liner: $25.
- Passengers should bring a lightweight pack (25 liters) for their personal effects (Bottle water, suncream, insect repelent, camera, jacket, rain gear, cap, etc.).
- Towel for washing.
We recommend that you bring:
- Backpack & Daypack
- Sleeping bag
- Insect repellent
- Hiking boots
- Trekking Poles
- Clothes for variable temperature especially at night
- T-shirts and trekking pants that zipoff to short pants for a comfortable day walks
- Flash light, head torch
- Camera and extra batteries
- Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses
- Personal medical kit
- Rain Gear: poncho/ a good rain jacket for wet season
- Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
- 2 litre water bottle water purifying tablets optional
- Copy of your passport
- Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc ( soles or dollars)
- Emergency money at least 200 extra soles:
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs. Optional
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
Our staff hand picks the best hotels in the country to ensure you experience utmost comfort and character.
Feel free to browse our recommendations and let us know if you’d like to incorporate a specific property in your customized journey!
Seven Machu Picchu Hotel
Hatun Samay Machupicchu
Inti Punku Machupicchu Hotel & Suites
PRICE IN REFERENCE
This example tour has costs beginning at US $ 1,420 per person, based on two sharing accommodations. If more will travel in your private party, it will benefit you as the cost “per person” will reduce.
Prices are based on final accommodation choices, travel dates and other details within your tour, which are flexible to your individual interests and desires.
Feel free to reach us via email at info@samextoursperu.com or by calling us directly at Whatsapp +51958192161.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choquequirao Trek 5 Days - Trek Choquequirao Machu Picchu
Choquequirao is considered by many tourists who visited it like the other Machu Picchu and sometimes many tourists dare to say that it is better than Machu Picchu. The best thing about this archeological center is that it can only be accessed by hiking.
Yet there are no railroads or roads that can take you to or near Choquequirao. so it is done full trekking many tourists consider this crossing as a Pilgrimage.
This is more of an escape from the routine, an own challenge, escape from the bustle of the city, and being not well known sometimes the route is empty (without tourists) and on other occasions one can run into some tourists and these are few.
We’d love to hear from you! Thank you so much for your interest in having a personalized travel experience in Peru. Contact us using the form below and one of South American Exclusive Tours Perú experts planners will reply within one business day to arrange your private experiences in Perú. For all other inquiries please do not hesitate to contact us, we are happy to help with everything. Feel free to reach us via email at info@samextoursperu.com or by calling us directly by Whatsapp at +51 958192161
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